No-twist self-locking coupling



Nov. 23, 1948. l F. JAcoBsON 2,454,557

' NO-TWIST SELF-LOCKING COUPLING Filed Jan. 12, 1944 m P f7 Z0 la a 272@ T-EVE 20' ricl'- V INVENTOR 4% y 22| www lfm JM ATTORNEYS Paiented Nov. 23, 1948 n n y UNITED sTATr-:s PATENT OFFICEv n NO-TWIST SFLLZSKIINGKCOIMG l Frans Jacobson, New York, N. Y.

8 Claims. (Cl. 2854-122) plings for connecting rigid pipe sections together or for connecting' ilexible metallic or other hose sections to such pipes or to adjacent lengths uthereof. In couplings now in use an objectionable feature is that frequentlyl when the coupling is being tightened there is a tendency to twist the pipe, and hose sections, or one of them, with resultant damage or injury to the pipe or hose sections.

A principal object of the invention is to provide an all-metal coupling construction obviating the foregoing objectionable feature.

Another principal object of the invention is to provide a' coupling of this character that will be self-locking to prevent loosening of the union at the connection when subjected to vibration or to reciprocal motion, or to other types of motion that have a tendency to loosen couplings.

Another object of the invention is to provide a l union or coupling device that may be used over and over again notwithstanding the fact that certain parts thereof become temporarily deformed in use to provide the self-locking feature of the device. l

Still another object of the invention is to provide a coupling or union device incorporating features of construction that insure double safety against leakage so that the coupling provides an absolutely leakproof joint.

Another object of the' invention is the provision of a coupling or union involving a minimum number of parts, and which may be manufactured in quantity, simply, quickly, and at relatively low cost.

To the accomplishment of.the foregoing, and such other objects as may hereinafter appear, this invention consists in the novel construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described l the coupling, the parts being shown separated from each other for clear illustration:

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the parts of the union or coupling in assembled condition;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal A 2 l section illustrating details of the interoperation between the parts that provides the self-locking feature of the coupling; and

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section of a female part 5 that may be substitutedA fora male part of the Vcoupling shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Referring to the drawing, the coupling or union' consists of three parts, aswivel nut N, a pipe connector P. and a hose connector H. These parts are made preferably of springy or resilient l5 nut is shaped externally with a `'wrench-receiving surface I2 that may have hexagonal shape as shown, or any other suitable shape.

The pipelconnector part P comprises a tubular member I3. This member is provided with a wrench-receiving external surface Il that may be hexagonal, as shown, or of any other suitable shape. A tapered threaded external portion II is provided adjacent one end of the member I3 to constitute means for mounting the connector P to pipe (not shown) in well-known manner.

l The opposite end of member Il is also threaded externally at- I1 and admeasured to receive the threaded portion I0 of the swivel nut N. The

threaded portion I1 is divided into two separated portions Ila and Ilb by an annular groove Il cut into the member I3, but the two portions I'Ia and I'Ib are continuations of each rother and the groove Il does not interfere with threading of the nut N. onto these threads. In effect, the groove I8 forms a weakened threaded portion I'Ib on the member I3 for a purpose to be presently described. r

The internal bore of the member Il has a portion I9 of uniform diameter, a portion 20 of en- 40 larged diameter adjacent to the portion I9, and a tapered or countersunk portion 2l contiguous with the portion 2l. 'I'he tapered portion flares outwardly from thev portion 2li terminating in the end face 22 of member I3. The depth of the 45 groove Il and the countersunk portion 20 at the bottom of said groove I8 form a resilient connecting portion which connects the threaded :Gange with the body portion of the pipe connector and enables the threads of the flange to be automatically.

temporarily displaced relative to the threads of the body portion of the pipe connector when the nut engages the shoulder of the hose connector and forces said shoulder into engagement with the threaded flange of the pipe con- 56 nector. This end face 22 is somewhat undercutto provide an annular peripheral lip 23 for a purpose to be presently described The hose connector member H, which is usually attachedto ilexible metallic hose or the like. and which is adapted to be secured to the pipe connector P by the swivel nut N, comprises a tubularv body 25 whose internal bore 29 is preferably substantially of the same diameter as that of bore i9. This body has an external annular shoulder 2l admeasured to be engaged by the shoulder I| of the swivel nut.r A conical portion 21 is'provided on the bodyi2l. conicalportionisshaped the nut N is tightened. The relative dimensions of the cone portion 21, the shoulder 29, and lip 29 are such that when the nut N is tightened, the lip 29 will engage 11p 23 before or about the same time that the cone portion 21 seats in the tapered or countersunk portion 2|. Then, because of the engagement between the said lips 23 and 29, fur? ther tightening ofthe nut N to seat the cone portion 21 will cause deformation of the weakened threaded portion i1b from the dotted to the full line position, illustrated on an exaggerated scale in Fig. 3, and will cause the threads of the portions |1b to be jammed into exceedingly tight engagement with the threads of the nut N, and also the threads on the nut to be jammed into tight engagement with Ithe threads on portion |1r..A Such jammed position of the threads locks the coupling in itsztightened position so that it will not jar loose when subject to vibration or any other type of motion while in use. The groove i8 is of suilicient width and depth and the portion |1b is sufiiciently thin to permit the deformation mentioned.

The cone portion 21 is dimensioned to oiIer more frlctional resistance when engaging the wall of the countersunk portion 2| than any friction that can be produced by the pressure between shoulder of the nut N and shoulder 26 of the hose connector H. The cone portion 21, for this purpose, is formed on an angle less than 90 and has a length commensurate with the desired result.

The member 2S is provided with a tubular tall or extension 30. This extension provides means to attach the member 25 to a flexible hose 3| that it is intended to couple to the pipe connector P. While the hose 3| has been shown as a exible corrugated hose of known construction, it is to be understood that any type of hose or piping may be attached to the member 25. In the embodi` ment shown, the hose 3| has an overall external diameter corresponding substantially with the internal diameter of the tail or extension 30. It is inserted into this extension 30 and is suitably attached therein, as by soldering, brazing, welding, or any other manner.

In using the coupling, and assuming that the pipe connector P has its male threaded portion i6 attached to a rigid pipe (not shown) and that the hose connector H has been attached to tubing 3|, as hereinbefore described, the cone portion 21 is inserted into the conical seat '2| of the pipe connector and nut N threaded onto thread |1. The nut N- is then first tightened by hand on the thread i1. The shoulder ii ofthe nut N engages shoulder 26 of the hose connector H and moves cone portion 21 into contact with the conical seat 2|. At about the same time the lip 29 on the hose Y connector H is brought into contact with the lip 23 on the pipe connector P.

As the nut N is then further tightened by a wrench, or other tightening tool, three distinct actions takes place simultaneously: (1) Cone portion 21 is firmly pressed into the countersunk portion 2| and into frictional'engagement with its wall; (2) Lip 29 is firmly pressed against the lip A 23; k(3)` As a result of the latter pressure, the

connector H. Secondly, because of the described.

deformable 'orlocking portion |1b of the thread |1 is moved forward axially at the same rate as the cone portion 21v is moved into the countersunk portion 2l.

As a result of these actions, first, because of the high friction between the' surface ofthe cone portion 21 and the surfaceof the countersunk portion, the hose connector H stays put; that is, it will not rotate while the nut N is being tightened by the wrench. 'I'his eliminates any possibility of twisting the hose 3| during tightening and thus prevents the setting up of any detrimental tortional stresses in the hose 3| or in any other hose or rigid pipe that might be attached to the hose axial movement of the threaded portion or locking element |1b, the pitch line of the thread on saidl portion lib is displaced withv respect to the pitch line of the corresponding portion ofthe internal thread Iii of the nutN to effect the lock-v-y ing action hereinbefore described. This locking positively prevents any loosening of the nut N when subject to vibration or 'other motion.

A feature oi the invention is that although the threaded portion |1b is distorted as described, the nut N can be loosened, if desired and the coupling can be used over again. When the nut N is loosened the resiliency of the'metal of which pipe connector P is made restores the threaded por- -t ion |1b to its original undistorted form.

Another feature of theinvention is that permanent wedging of the cone portion 21 in the countersunk portion 2| is prevented by the engagement of lips 23 and 29. They are so admeasured for this purpose. However, the resiliency of the weakened lock portion ilb carrying the lip 23 permits suillcient forward motion of the cone portion 21 into the countersunk portion 2l to-achieve the results hereinbefore described.

Furthermore, when the parts have been tightened as described, double safety against leakage is provided by the rm contact between the cone portion 21 and the wall of the countersunk portion 2|, and also by the rm contact between the lips 23 and 29.

- It will be understood that the principles em- ,bodied in the coupling hereinbefore described may be applied to other typ'es of connections. For example,4 the pipe connector P' of Fig. 4 may replace the connector P of Figs. 1 to 3. In this modified form of pipe connector P the male connector portion I6 of Figs. 1 and 2 is replaced by an internally-threaded or female portion 40. The other parts of the pipe connector P' are identical with those of Figs. 1-3 and function in the same way. Reference characters in this gure that are primed, but otherwise identical with referencecharacters in Figs. l-3- inclusive, denote identical parts. Any other conventional means for connecting the pipe connector P or P' to rigid pipe may be used. Either may be provided, in place of the portions I6 or 40, with other suitable types of `conventional connections, such r'igid pipe.

able for blazing, solderinz. orotherwise connect- I ing the pipe connectors P or P' to pipe.:

Likewise, the hose connector H may' be at' tached' in any other desired way to h ose or to In the latter oase, the portion I might be replaced by a portion corresponding either to the port-ion it or portion 4l.

Various other modications in construction within the scope of the invention are possible and are contemplated. There is no intention 'oi' limitation to the exact details shown and described.

What is claimed is; l

1. In a device of the character described, a first connector member, a second connector member and a nut for securing said-members together, means on each connector member i'orl attaching it to piping -interengaging means on the said two connector members for preventing rotation of one with respect to the other while said nut is tightened to secure the connectors together, and deformabler'means'on one of'said connectors adapted to be deformed'in the axial direction of the connectors by the tightening of said nut member into its tightened condition, and means to eiiect such deformation whereby to eilec't locking of said nut member in said tightened condition.

2. In a deviceofl the character described, a ilrst connector, a second connector. one of said connectors having a threaded portion, a shoulder on the other of said connectors, a nut member havinga threaded portion adapted to be screwed onto said first-named threaded portion, and a shoulder o n said nut member for engaging said ilrst-named shoulder whereby said connector members may be secured together, interengaging means on said connectors for preventing rotation of one with respect to the other while said nut is screwed onto said first-named threaded portion, deformable means on one of said coni nectors engaging said threaded portion of said nut, means on the other of said connectors for engaging said deformable means and moving it in the axial -direction of the connectors as said nut is tightened whereby to deform said deformablemeans during final tightening of said nut member and thereby to lock said nut member in its tightened condition.

3. In a device of the -character described, a I

hose connector, a pipe connector and a tightening nut for securing said connectors together, a threaded portion on said pipe connector on which said nut member is adapted to be screwed, said pipe connector being grooved in its said threaded portion to provide a deformable part. and said pipe connector having a conically-recessed portion whose apex angle is acute, a conical ppi'- tlon oi complemental shape on Ysaid hose connector adapted to be received within said recessed portion, a lip on said hose connector member adaptedto engage said deformable part and to deformsaid part when said nut is tightened on said threaded portion to lock said nut in its tightened position, and said conical portion and said lip being admeasured to cause su'iilcient frictional' engagement between a surface of said conical portion and a surface of said recess during tightening of said nut to prevent rotation of said hose connector, whereby tortional stresses in a hose connected to said hose connector are prevented during such tightening. 4. A device of the character described including in combination a hose connector, a pipe connector having an externally threaded portion, and an internally threaded tightening nut for securing said connectors together, said threaded portion of said pipe connector having a groove of substantial depth located near its end and dividing said threaded portion into a body portion and an extremitalange portion which is thin enough so as to be temporarily bent or displaced under pressure, said pipe connector and said hose connector having complementary parts adapted to engage to form.a tight joint, said hose connector having an external annular shoulder, said tightening nut having an inwardly extending end iiange adapted to' engage said shoulder when said nut is tightened and to force the. pipe connector and hose connector into tight engagementwith each other, said shoulder on said hose connector engaging said threaded ilange on said pipe connector so as to temporarily bend or displace the same from its normal position causing a temporary displacement of the an extremital flange portion which is thin enough so as to be temporarily bent or displaced under pressure, said hose connector having an external annular shoulder, said tightening nut having an inwardly extending end iiange adapted to engage said shoulder when said nut is tightened and to force the pipe connector and hose connector into tight engagement with each other, said shoulder on said hose connector and said extremital ilange portion of said pipe connector when engaging said nut is tightened temporarily to bend or displace said threaded ange from its normal position causing a, temporary displacement or misalinement of the threads thereof and the consequent abnormal tight engagement of said threads with the threads of saidinut whereby accidental uncoupling of the parts is prevented.

6. A device of the character described including in combination a hose connector, a pipe connector and an internally threaded tightening nut for securing said connectors together, said hose connector and said pipe connector having complementary parts adapted to ilt together to form a tight joint, said hose connector being provided with an external annular shoulder, said pipe connector having an extended exteriorly threaded portion, the thread throughout having the same pitch, said threaded portion being provided with a groove of substantial depth near the outer end thereof so as to form a threaded ilange portion at the end of said pipe connector, said flange portion being of such dimension and said groove of such depth that when the louter part of said ilange portion is engaged and pressed by said shoulder, said ilange portion will be displaced from its normal position, whereby the threads shoulder arranged to be engaged by the nut and mem pipe connector, the latter beina countersunk 4 adjacent the bottom oi the groove, the depth ot the groove and the countersunk portion of the pipe connector forming a resilient connection between the threaded ilange and the body portion of the pipe connectorl so that when the iiange is engaged and subjected to pressure'by said shoulder the threads o! the flange will be automatically temporarily displaced with relation to the threads on the body portion of the pipe connector.

8. A device oi the class described including in combination a hose connector, a pipe connector, and an internally threaded tightening nut for securing said connectors together. said hose connector being provided with an external annular shoulder arranged to\ be engaged by the nut and to be moved by the same into abutting\ relation with the pipe connector, said pipe connector having an extended Aexterioxly threaded portion with threads of uniform pitch provided vnear the outer end with a groove of substantial depth so as to forma threaded ilange portion v 8 at the end o! the pipe connector. the latter having a tapered countersunk portion adjacent the bottom of the groove. the depth of the groove and the countersunk portion at the bottom ot the groove forming a resilient connecting portion connecting the threaded i'iange and the body portion oi' the pipe connectorso thatwhen the riante is engagedby said shoulder and subjected to pressure the threads of the flange will be automatically temporarily displaced with relation to the threads oi Ithe body portion of the pipe connector. said hose connector having a tapered portion arranged toengage the tapered countersunk portion of the pipe connector to iorm a ltight i'ile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 20,542 Dyer Oct. 26, 1937 817,058 Greeniield Apr. 3, 1906 1,069,916 Windsor Aug. 12, 1913 1,519,126 Furlan Dec. 16, 1924 1,808,101 Eastman June 3, 1931 

